Lu gazed at the small Flame Thunder Stone in his palm. The azure stone contained terrifying energy.

  Shimmering light flowed across it—like endless lightning flickering within.

  Lu fell into deep thought.

  “A material for crafting innate spirit treasures that control tribulation…”

  He had truly not expected this reward to be such a material.

  Rewards as raw materials had never appeared before.

  Though the Five Phoenixes had birthed a Heavenly Dao—Lu had never established tribulation based on it.

  Previous tribulations were all decided by his whim—striking whomever he wished.

  The purpose of heavenly tribulation was mostly to intimidate—to make cultivators feel the hardship of the path.

  But Lu knew: the operation of heaven and earth required its own natural laws. Heavenly tribulation existed not only to restrict those with hollow cultivation—but also to temper true powerhouses, to give cultivators hope.

  Did the nine heavens have tribulation?

  Yes—Lu had encountered it several times. But that tribulation’s power… was mediocre.

  Yet Quasi-Emperor tribulation was terrifying—certain death—making no one dare trigger it.

  And at Great Emperor realm—one became exempt from the nine heavens’ tribulation.

  “The Five Phoenixes possesses an immortal martial foundation. Great Emperor and Golden Immortal are not the end. Thus—even Great Emperors and Golden Immortals must face tribulation… This is perhaps the necessary path for the Five Phoenixes to become immortal martial.”

  Lu pondered.

  Thus—he gripped the Flame Thunder Stone tightly.

  With a thought—he entered the Transmission Platform—beginning to study the Flame Thunder Stone—planning to forge an innate spirit treasure that controls heavenly tribulation.

  …

  Lu’s battle with the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor had little impact on the world of the Five Phoenixes.

  When the Heavenly Dao refined its millionth Dao essence strand—the Five Phoenixes successfully entered First-Derivation.

  Lu had hoped to seize the momentum and impact immortal martial realm.

  Yet he discovered—it was impossible.

  This left Lu puzzled and frustrated.

  By his estimation—though failure was likely—there should have been some sign.

  Failure to impact immortal martial—he had prepared himself for.

  But this failure—without even beginning—left Lu bewildered.

  After much thought—Lu finally understood.

  To achieve immortal martial—merely elevating world rank was insufficient. A complete system, rules, and sufficient powerhouses were required.

  Though the Five Phoenixes developed rapidly—overall, the number of powerhouses remained insufficient.

  At least… not even one proper Golden Immortal existed.

  This made Lu calm down—no longer rushing.

  Many things—the more anxious one became—the more mistakes one made.

  The Five Phoenixes quieted.

  The effects of the world’s transformation gradually faded.

  Mortals continued laboring diligently for survival.

  Under the Human Emperor’s leadership—they resisted the demon race.

  Cultivators strove to break through realms—seeking longevity—to walk further and live longer on the path.

  Lu’s battle with the Emperor brought no great upheaval to the Five Phoenixes.

  Many Immortals returned to cultivation—gathering fortune—elevating their strength.

  The world transformation birthed many Xuan Immortals whose fortune flowed like rivers.

  For example—Ye Shoudao, Du Longyang, Empress Ni Chunchiu, etc.

  The Witch Clan and demon race also produced Xuan Immortal-level combat power.

  Especially the demon race—in this world opportunity—they underwent massive transformation.

  Golden Crow achieved Demon Saint. The Demon Monkey King also became a Demon Saint.

  The other demon kings reached Half-Step Demon Saint—greatly elevating the demon race’s strength.

  The demon race’s fortune condensed unprecedentedly.

  Golden Crow Demon Saint presided over the Demon Court—its momentum vast and unstoppable.

  Many demon kings were born. The ox demon king, white snake king, and others with special bloodlines erupted with astonishing power.

  Under Golden Crow Demon Saint’s leadership—they swept through—expelling all human cultivators from the Demon Court.

  The demon race’s prestige reached its peak.

  Heavenly Void Young Master left in disgrace.

  He was too miserable—in this world opportunity—he still failed to seize the breakthrough chance.

  His talent was not inferior to Du Longyang, Ye Shoudao, etc.

  But his luck was truly terrible.

  This time—he fell behind again—failing to become Xuan Immortal.

  Yet Heavenly Void remained calm. Though saddened—he quickly accepted this cruel reality.

  In truth—he understood the world’s cruelty earlier than others.

  Returning to Tianyuan Domain—he learned Ye Shoudao and others had become Xuan Immortals—merely sighing at his misfortune.

  Of course—he could only blame himself for not making the right choice then.

  Ye Shoudao, Du Longyang, the Empress—they had let go.

  While he—Heavenly Void—clung too tightly—missing the demon race fortune.

  Thus—it was his own fault. Bad luck.

  Heavenly Void felt regretful. Worldly fortune was becoming harder to obtain.

  Especially at Half-Step Xuan Immortal—crossing required vast fortune infusion.

  But now—with Golden Crow achieving Demon Saint—the demon race’s fortune had stabilized. Even if not—under Golden Crow’s tyrannical control—humans could hardly gain demon fortune.

  Thus—Heavenly Void felt lost.

  In Heavenly Void Palace—

  He slumped in his chair—staring mournfully at the sky.

  Recalling his life…

  …

  Heavenly Void’s inner cry seemed to strike Lu—bringing him a unique impact and thought.

  Seated in the Transmission Platform—Lu’s robes floated.

  He resembled a true immortal.

  To Heavenly Void’s question and cry—Lu said nothing. After all… he had not deliberately targeted Heavenly Void.

  This time—Heavenly Void had a chance to gain fortune—prove Xuan Immortal.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  But he failed to seize it—what could Lu do?

  Yet Heavenly Void’s experience gave Lu inspiration.

  Worldly fortune would become harder to obtain.

  Lu’s goal was to birth more powerhouses in the Five Phoenixes—not restrict them.

  Many Half-Step Xuan Immortals were just one step from Xuan Immortal.

  But that final step stumped countless powerhouses.

  Thus—the birth of heavenly tribulation was necessary.

  Within the Transmission Platform—

  Lu began deducing.

  Casting the Flame Thunder Stone—forging a new innate spirit treasure.

  This deduction took a long time. Crafting an innate spirit treasure was no easy task.

  If not for entering Qi Refining Layer Ten—Lu might have struggled.

  Because his divine soul power would have been insufficient to persist.

  Fortunately—having stepped into Qi Refining Layer Ten—his divine soul power had greatly increased.

  Thus—Lu could now forge an innate spirit treasure.

  Time passed bit by bit.

  Finally—Lu completed the deduction—gaining a complete process and record.

  He exited the Transmission Platform.

  After brief rest—

  Gripping the Flame Thunder Stone—he entered the Origin Space.

  The Heavenly Dao star illuminated heaven and earth—radiant in the Origin Space.

  Little Yinglong sprawled atop it—listless. With Dao essence refined—he felt utterly bored.

  Lu did not restrict his freedom—he could freely enter and exit the Origin Space.

  Yet he discovered—he had lost his former salted-fish joy.

  When Lu appeared—Little Yinglong instantly perked up.

  Was Father bringing more Dao essence?

  Did he have new Dao essence to refine?

  Little Yinglong darted out—flapping fleshy wings around Lu.

  Lu was speechless.

  With a thought—Lu took the Dao essence refined from the Heavenly Spirit Ancient Emperor’s blood in the Heaven-Stealing Tower—giving it to Little Yinglong.

  After sending Little Yinglong aside—

  Lu sat cross-legged on the Heavenly Dao star.

  He began forging the innate spirit treasure.

  Forming hand seals—Lu raised his hand. Vast chaos power surged into the Flame Thunder Stone—gradually shattering it.

  The shattered Flame Thunder Stone turned to powder—terrifying lightning arcs leaping within.

  The arcs seemed to shatter the void.

  With a thought—Lu fused worldly fortune into the Flame Thunder Stone.

  Raising his palm—

  A bottomless fissure cracked open on the Heavenly Dao star.

  Fortune and Flame Thunder Stone powder were thrown into the fissure for refining.

  The fissure slowly closed.

  Within the Heavenly Dao star—countless lightning flashed.

  Using the Heavenly Dao star as furnace—fortune and Flame Thunder Stone as materials—forging an innate spirit treasure!

  Time passed.

  A full decade.

  Throughout—Lu maintained the refining posture.

  His divine soul constantly surged—rapidly depleting.

  Finally—within the Heavenly Dao star—the Flame Thunder Stone and fortune fused—forming two blurry spirit treasure shapes.

  One a hammer. One a chisel.

  Lightning intertwined—imbued with vast fortune.

  These were the embryonic forms of innate spirit treasures.

  “The lightning interwoven in the spirit treasure—shall be called Innate Nine Heavens Thunder.”

  “As for tribulation—from Heavenly Human realm onward.”

  “Heavenly Human impacting Human Immortal—faces Human Tribulation. Nine heavenly thunderbolts from the Heavenly Thunder Chisel. Tribulation contains fortune like silk. Passing—becomes Human Immortal—cultivation surges.”

  Lu’s eyes gleamed—voice chanting.

  As he chanted—the entire Heavenly Dao transformed dramatically.

  Boom!

  As though words became law—the chanted text turned tangible—surging into the star—forming interwoven Dao and principles—flowing into hammer and chisel.

  “Second tribulation—Human Immortal to True Immortal—True Tribulation. Thirty-six heavenly thunderbolts from the Heavenly Thunder Hammer. Tribulation contains fortune like pillars. Passing—becomes True Immortal.”

  “Third tribulation—True Immortal to Xuan Immortal—Xuan Tribulation. Proving Xuan Immortal fruit. Ninety-nine heavenly thunderbolts from hammer and chisel combined. Tribulation contains fortune like rivers. Passing—becomes Xuan Immortal.”

  “Fourth tribulation—Golden Immortal Tribulation. Proving Golden Immortal fruit. Nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine heavenly thunderbolts. Manifesting innate spirit treasure. Tribulation contains fortune like vast seas.”

  “Fifth tribulation—Great Luo Tribulation… temporarily none…”

  Lu sat upright—every gesture stirring profound mystery.

  Each character became rule—surging into the Heavenly Dao star.

  The Heavenly Thunder Hammer and Chisel manifested within the star—enveloped by endless fortune.

  Representing the Heavenly Dao’s tribulation rules.

  Because of the Flame Thunder Stone’s special nature—tribulation could be divided into these four levels.

  As for Great Luo Immortal-level Great Luo Tribulation—Lu had no good ideas yet.

  Mainly because Great Luo Immortal realm… was too difficult.

  That surpassed Great Emperor.

  Not to mention the current Five Phoenixes—even the nine heavens had never birthed such an existence.

  Thus—Lu temporarily did not design Great Luo Tribulation.

  He even planned to arrange Great Luo Tribulation separately.

  Buzz…

  Countless rules interwove atop the Heavenly Dao star.

  Lu bathed in rules—exhaling slowly.

  He opened his eyes—lips curving upward.

  This tribulation setup might greatly ease the current deadlock.

  Lu thought for a moment—then added one more rule.

  “The more fortune gathered—the higher the success rate of tribulation.”

  “Those failing tribulation—may sacrifice flesh body—convert to divine soul—become Tribulation Loose Immortal.”

  “This rule—applies to all living beings in the void starry sky.”

  Lu said.

  With that—words became law—forming a rule imprinting on the Heavenly Dao star.

  Thus—the rules were fully established.

  After completing rule formulation—Lu took out the three Dao Sources from this reward.

  Infusing the Dao Sources into the Heavenly Dao.

  The Heavenly Dao grew even stronger.

  …

  When the rules were established—

  All stars in the void starry sky resonated with the Heavenly Dao.

  All living beings sensed it.

  Some calculated the Heavenly Dao with their fingers—sensing the descending interwoven rules.

  “Heavenly tribulation established—the great era approaches!”

  Heavenly Mechanism Peak.

  Lü Mu Dui and Mo Tianyu exchanged glances—seeing astonishment in each other’s eyes.

  They did not doubt much. After the world transformation—the Heavenly Dao establishing tribulation rules—was not too surprising.

  But one thing was certain—the Five Phoenixes continued growing stronger.

  “What is heavenly tribulation?”

  Lü Mu Dui calculated with his fingers—bamboo staff tapping lightly.

  Soon—he fetched yellow xuan paper—ordering a servant to bring a full bowl of pig blood.

  Just as he prepared to dip his brush in pig blood ink—

  Lu—seated on the Heavenly Dao star—curled his lip.

  “Establishing heavenly tribulation is so important—yet using pig blood? How inconsiderate.”

  He, Lu—had labored tirelessly for tribulation—yet Lü Mu Dui thought to fool it with pig blood?

  Raising his hand—

  Lightning flashed.

  Lu gripped the azure Heavenly Thunder Hammer in one hand—Heavenly Thunder Chisel in the other.

  Lightly striking them together.

  Above Heavenly Mechanism Peak…

  Black clouds gathered. Lightning struck from clear skies.

  A bolt crashed down.

  Terrifying the servant holding the full bowl of pig blood—spilling it completely.

  Lü Mu Dui’s aged face twitched.

  Mo Tianyu—in the distance—grinned until his mouth nearly split.

  “Let you cut corners—heavenly tribulation established—you’re in for a big hemorrhage now.”

  “Using pig blood is disrespectful—to the Heavenly Dao—to the heavens… Even I, Mo Tianyu, can’t stand it—let alone Nine Heavens Divine Thunder.”

  Mo Tianyu’s words darkened Lü Mu Dui’s face.

  If you’re so capable—why don’t you cough blood!

  Just standing there blabbering!

  Then—Lü Mu Dui looked resentfully at the sky.

  Gritting his teeth—stomping his foot—he swung his small fist—striking his own chest.

  Pfft!

  Blood sprayed—carrying sorrow under the sunlight.

  Quick as lightning—Lü Mu Dui dipped his brush in the blood ink—beginning to write.

  Flowing words—numerous characters—perfectly using every drop of coughed blood.

  Finally—at the end of the yellow xuan paper—he solemnly signed:

  “Heavenly Mechanism Lü Mu Dui—written in blood and tears.”

  Finished—Lü Mu Dui released the Heavenly Mechanism Pigeon—spreading the news to the world.

  The establishment of heavenly tribulation spread instantly.

  Tribulation contains fortune—passing it allows breakthrough!

  Those with sufficient cultivation—or confidence—could choose to face tribulation!

  This news filled countless bottlenecked cultivators with wild joy.

  The Heavenly Dao establishing rules—was great news!

  Some Heavenly Human realm cultivators—stuck at bottlenecks—directly triggered Human Tribulation.

  But this person triggered it within his sect.

  Thus—as tribulation descended—the entire mountain gate was flattened.

  The Heavenly Human cultivator was struck half-dead—charred black—barely breathing.

  Undoubtedly—tribulation failed.

  He had been too careless—thinking tribulation easy—unaware it tested foundation.

  His foundation unstable—tribulation naturally struck him.

  The cultivator’s flesh was annihilated by heavenly thunder—but his divine soul was nourished by tribulation fortune.

  Thus—he converted to divine soul—condensing fortune divine soul—becoming a First Tribulation Loose Immortal.

  On this day—

  Thunderclouds rolled over the Five Phoenix skies.

  Countless Heavenly Humans—ignorant of heaven’s height—sought to ascend.

  All triggered Human Tribulation.

  Yet tribulation’s power exceeded their expectations.

  Roughly fifty percent failed—forty percent gave up—one percent succeeded—ascending to Human Immortal.

  Failed Heavenly Humans all converted to divine soul—becoming First Tribulation Loose Immortals.

  Not just Heavenly Human cultivators went mad.

  Human Immortals stuck at bottlenecks did the same.

  They triggered tribulation—thirty-six heavenly thunderbolts—striking them senseless.

  Failure rate similar to Heavenly Human cultivators—half became divine soul—Second Tribulation Loose Immortals. Though preserving life and retaining True Immortal combat power—they lost qualification to impact Golden Immortal.

  As for True Immortal powerhouses—they were steadier.

  Seeing tribulation’s consequences—they chose caution—not triggering it.

  …

  Ancient tomb.

  Gu Mangran sensed tribulations erupting everywhere.

  Even nearby—a Human Immortal failed tribulation—choosing to sacrifice flesh—becoming Second Tribulation Loose Immortal.

  Yet Gu Mangran drew a deep breath—seeing hope.

  “This is true heavenly tribulation. Tribulation brings destruction—yet also a thread of hope. It tempers strong cultivators—not severs paths to greater power!”

  Gu Mangran clenched his fists.

  The nine heavens had tribulation.

  But nine heavens’ tribulation was pure destruction.

  No hope.

  Countless dazzling Quasi-Emperors—attempting Emperor realm—perished under heavenly tribulation—hundreds of thousands of years of cultivation—destroyed in an instant.

  No one succeeded. Nine heavens’ tribulation existed solely to slay those attempting Emperor realm.

  Over time—even Quasi-Emperors like Micah carefully concealed their aura—daring not trigger nine heavens’ tribulation.

  Why?

  Because once tribulation descended—Quasi-Emperor died—reduced to primal energy—absorbed by the Heavenly Dao!

  No hope. Darkness. Despair!

  This was the fate of cultivators below Emperor in the nine heavens.

  Atop snowy mountain peak—

  Micah slowly opened his eyes. His gaze fluctuated violently—nose stinging faintly.

  Tribulation—while bringing destruction—also contained a thread of survival.

  Like spring thunder—meant to awaken earth’s revival—not annihilate all.

  His choice of the Five Phoenix Heavenly Dao—was correct!

  In the nine heavens—his future was bleak!

  No hope at all!

  “Soon.”

  Micah did not continue cultivating.

  He rose—descending the snowy mountain.

  He entered the mortal world—entered cultivation sects—spreading his improved “Extreme Path Cultivation Method.”

  This was a path he created—his own Dao.

  Vast fortune gathered as his method spread.

  Converging upon Micah.

  His aura steadily condensed—accumulating.

  Five years. Ten years. A hundred years…

  Time flew.

  On this day—Micah’s aura reached its peak. Raising his head—he triggered the Heavenly Gate.

  One step into the Heavenly Gate—entering the Ascension Land.

  Seeking a blooming green lotus between heaven and earth.

  After cultivating so long—he needed a battle to establish Xuan Immortal Extreme Realm!

  He originally sought the Buzhou Peak Demoness—but found her absent.

  Thus—he entered the Heavenly Gate—seeking Lu Jiulian.

  The two clashed.

  Heaven and earth changed color. The Ascension Land quaked.

  A battle not inferior to Quasi-Emperor level.

  Meanwhile—

  Underworld.

  Bitter sea rose and fell. Karma hung upside down in the sky.

  Tantai Xuan—who had been tempering in seclusion—completed his refinement.

  Slowly emerging from the bitter sea—achieving Quasi-Emperor.

  As though a great era… was about to arrive.